Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Golden Theatre
Wed, June 12 @ 8PM
What is up with all the waxed pecs and six-packs on display on the Great White Way this season? Picnic, Pippin, Chicago, The Nance, The Performers, Breakfast At Tiffany's, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, Golden Boy - just to name a few. I haven't seen so many buff dudes displaying their wares in midtown since the Gaiety Theatre closed its dingy doors a decade ago. Ah, the memories. Not that I'm complaining. I mean, if they could throw in some hunky, half naked man candy into Lucky Guy I'd definitely reconsider buying a ticket.
For all you respectable folk, there is plenty to enjoy in Vanya besides the half naked Billy Magnussen (though he is a bonus). Vanya is the rare comedy written with intelligence and warmth that doesn't pander to its audience. When was the last time you heard Chekhov quoted as a punchline? The genius of Durang's writing is that even if you don't get all the references, it's still non-stop, laugh-out-loud funny.
The play focuses on aging siblings Vanya (a droll and adorable David Hyde Pierce) and Sonia (face contortionist Kristine Nielsen). Both still single and living together in the family's rural home, they have let time and technology pass them by while their glamorous sister, Masha (Sigourney Weaver) has traveled the world as a famous actress. When Masha returns for a visit with dippy boy toy Spike in tow, family resentments resurface and generation gaps widen.
Pierce and Nielsen, both comic geniuses, get to show off their serious acting chops with long, juicy monologues in the second act. Nielsen is particularly moving in a self-depracating phone call with a possible suitor. Pierce gets to let loose in a wild tirade against the isolating power of technology. Weaver, though clearly having a ball, seems a bit stiff and vocally underpowered in comparison.
Magnussen's gender-reversed blond bimbo just can't seem to keep his clothes on. His reverse strip tease is worth the price of admission, as is Nielsen's horrified reaction to it. Shalita Grant is wickedly funny as the no-nonsense housekeeper/oracle. Liesel Allen Yeager channels a young Alicia Siverstone a la "Clueless" (in a good way) as a starstruck wannabe actress.
Though fresh off Christopher Durang's Tony win for Best Play, Trish and I still managed to snag 30% discounted rear orchestra seats at the "half price" booth earlier that afternoon. I'm hoping to pay a return visit when Julie White replaces Weaver later this summer. She should be a good match for Nielsen and Pierce's brand of quirky humor.
With the small cast requirements and unit set, get ready to see Vanya invade the regional and summer stock theatres next year.
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